Society faces many grand challenges in an increasingly complex world that demands innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. From climate change to public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, these challenges require leaders who can effectively mobilize and coordinate diverse stakeholders toward a common goal. Our recent research suggests that female leaders may be uniquely positioned to navigate these challenges due to their perceived relational skills.
Relational leadership, characterized by open communication, collaboration, and trust-building, has emerged as a critical approach to addressing grand challenges. Our study sought to understand whether certain types of leaders enjoyed a natural advantage in being perceived as more relational and, therefore, more effective in tackling these complex issues. We sought to answer the question: Does a leader's gender influence how they are perceived regarding their relational skills and, ultimately, their effectiveness in addressing grand challenges? While women in leadership positions often face biases stemming from the "think leader, think male" stereotype, we hypothesized, that in the context of grand challenges, female leaders might benefit from a "think female, think relational" mindset, which could lead to more positive perceptions of their leadership capabilities.
To test this hypothesis, we conducted a laboratory experiment in which participants were presented with a scenario describing a leader's response to the pandemic. The only variable manipulated was the leader's gender. Participants were then asked about their perceptions of the leader's relational qualities, such as encouraging collaboration, cultivating trust, and promoting open conversation. The results demonstrated that female leaders were rated significantly more relational than male leaders and, consequently, seen as more capable of addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic. These findings align with a "think female, think relational" mindset, suggesting that stereotypically feminine qualities such as communality and relationship-building potentially become valuable assets in shaping audience perceptions in the context of grand challenges.
Several prominent female leaders exemplified the advantages of relational leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. New Zealand's former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was praised for her empathetic and collaborative approach, with her “clarity and compassion” resonating with the public. Similarly, Germany's former Chancellor Angela Merkel was commended for her calm and reasoned messaging that effectively “hit home” with her constituents. By fostering open communication, seeking input from diverse stakeholders, and adaptively leading their nations, Ardern and Merkel demonstrated the power of a relational approach in navigating complex crises.
While our research suggests that female leaders may be uniquely positioned to capitalize on the stereotypical perceptions that they are more relational, it is crucial to recognize that relational skills are not inherently gendered. All leaders, regardless of gender, can and should cultivate these skills to navigate the complexities of our world effectively. By prioritizing empathy, emotional intelligence, and collaboration, organizations can build the resilience and adaptability necessary to tackle the grand challenges of our time.
What Does This Mean For Working Well
The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly illustrated the interconnected nature of the challenges we face as a global society. As we look toward the future, it is clear that addressing these grand challenges will require a leadership approach that prioritizes relationships, collaboration, and trust.
To foster relational leadership, organizations can:
As individuals and organizations, we all have a role to play in fostering relational leadership. By valuing and developing these skills in ourselves and others, we can create a more resilient, adaptable, and collaborative society—one better equipped to tackle the grand challenges ahead. In doing so, we improve our ability to navigate crises and lay the foundation for a more inclusive and effective leadership paradigm for the future.
Abbie Griffith Oliver is an assistant professor at the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce.
Full Citation
Oliver, A. G., Pfarrer, M. D., & Neville, F. “Grand Challenges and Female Leaders: An Exploration of Relational Leadership During the COVID-19 Pandemic” in Business & Society 2024.
